The 5 Simplest Healthy Habits You Will Ever Learn

September 15th 2008

Health

After years of blissfully eating Big Macs, cooking cheap, greasy foods and drinking fizzy drinks there is now an ever increasing focus on living an healthier lifestyle. However, that’s easier said than done. The whole project of getting healthy covers a lot of areas, ranging from having the right foods in your fridge, getting into the routine of exercise and just ultimately finding the motivation to stick with it all. But, where do you even start? Well firstly, you shouldn’t jump in at the deep end as you will end up drowning. I really believe that small steps done regularly and consistently is much more effective than the rush of enthusiasm followed by the comedown that usually results from trying to make big changes immediately. With that in mind, I present five of the simplest things you can do which will have you taking those first small steps to an healthier lifestyle.

Go to the gym once a week
Once. A. Week. That is all I’m asking. I’m not asking you to go twice or even three times a week, just find time to go once. If you can’t manage that then there are bigger problems in your life. Heck, if you don’t like the gym do your own thing at home or go out for a jog, but just have that one exercise session a week. It’s an invaluable habit to get into, and once you’re over that first hurdle going several times a week will be easy.
Drink more water
Just think of all the sugar in fizzy drinks. Ditch them and start drinking water. Take a bottle with you to work, ask for a jug of water at the table when you are in restaurants. If you are worried about the taste (or lack of it) buy a filter, or get flavored water. There is really no excuse to not drink more of it because let’s face it… it’s only water!
Eat healthy snacks
Don’t get wound up at the idea of replacing entire meals with healthy options. It will invariably involve getting in different ingredients, learning new recipes and even eating food you don’t like as much. All that can come later. Instead start with snacks. They are easy to replace and won’t impact your diet so dramatically that you have a tough time adjusting. Instead of having a bag of crisps when you are feeling peckish have a piece of fruit, instead of a chocolate bar have an oat bar.
Choose light options
In my supermarket the other week I noticed that Flora (the margerine) now has light, extra light, no salt and several other obscure versions. Most products nowadays have a similar choice, so make sure you choose them. The difference may be negligible with just one product but just think how many foods you eat on a day-to-day basis that have light versions. And all you have to do is pick the right product off the shelf!
Have breakfast
Breakfast has long been viewed to be the most important meal of the day, but that’s not the only motivation to have it. Breakfast is the easiest meal to make because it usually involves simple ingredients, so just like with snacks you can choose healthy options (instead of a sugary cereal have a high fibre one). What’s more, breakfast really sets the tone for the day. If you off in the morning eating healthy you’re more likely to stick with it during the rest of the day.